The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Pacific Ocean Division welcomed a new command sergeant major to its ranks Dec. 4 at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Command Sgt. Maj. Yolanda M. Tate assumed duties as the division's senior enlisted leader from Command Sgt. Maj. Federico E. Boyce, with the traditional passing of the colors, symbolizing the change of responsibility.
Tate, who began her military career in 1989 as a reservist in the United States Army, has served in numerous leadership positions, most recently as command sergeant major for U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Bragg, N.C.
This is the first time that Tate, who is a topographic (geospatial) engineer, will be serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the first time serving in the Pacific region. She thanked Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Milhorn, commanding general of the Pacific Ocean Division and ceremony host, for the opportunity to serve on the team.
"This is more than a great opportunity for myself," said Tate. "Your trust and confidence in me has also opened doors and provides hope and future opportunities for female engineer Soldiers as well as geospatial engineers to serve at the nominative level."
Milhorn welcomed Tate and expressed his utmost confidence in her ability to take on her new responsibilities in a growing region.
"Congratulations to the Department of Army for making the right selection and bringing you onboard to take this organization to newer heights," said Milhorn. "With our sergeant major from USACE (Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), Command Sgt. Maj. (Antonia S.) Jones, and the initiative that he's set forth, your area has just expanded to include two other divisions of engineers…Amazing, you haven't been here but a few days and your territory has already grown by nearly 30 percent. … Congratulations!"
Milhorn had high praise and appreciation for Boyce, who served the division for nearly two years, and who has the distinction of being the first command sergeant major of the Pacific Ocean Division. He thanked Boyce for listening and acting on behalf of both Military and civilians serving our nation.
"You've essentially defined the roles and responsibilities for this organization, largely serving as an educator for so many outside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and an advocate for all the workforce within--a workforce composed of the total military, all the joint services; the total Army, the active Army, the Reserve, National Guard; everyone," said Milhorn. "You've been an advocate for them, as well as for all the Department of Army civilian experts and professionals that we have within our organization."
Milhorn pointed out that Boyce built relationships, which formerly did not exist, and educated others about the Corps capabilities throughout the vast U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility that covers over half of the earth's surface, and beyond.
"You continue to educate everyone on what the capabilities of the Corps brings to bear, which are oftentimes a softer capability to allow access for mil-to-mil engagements throughout the region," said Milhorn. We're doing that everywhere, from Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mongolia…and a lot of these relationships, multi-national relationships, are also shored up with your efforts."
Boyce said he was proud to have served with professionals committed to supporting the joint force and homeland, and enabling alliances and partnerships with trusted engineering.
In a passionate delivery, Boyce said "life is about making memories." He talked about his memorable career highlights and personal goals in life, one of which is to live life to the fullest and make memories.
When all the farewells and well wishes were done, Boyce strolled off historic Palm Circle after having served in the U.S. Army for more than 31 years. He will work on making more memories as he begins a new chapter in his life.
For his exceptionally meritorious service, Boyce received the Distinguished Service Medal at an awards ceremony held in his honor just prior to the Change of Responsibility.
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